Happ part of Phillies' playoff roster

Addition of rookie left-hander may force Seanez off team

PHILADELPHIA -- Sitting at his locker after Sunday's final regular-season game, Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ made himself available, just in case.

When pitching coach Rich Dubee strolled by, the rookie perked up and made eye contact -- again, just in case. Finally, he couldn't take it any more.

"Can you say some words to me?" Happ asked Dubee.

Dubee did.

"Yeah," Happ said, relaying what Dubee told him. "You'll be on the roster."

Happ's performance this season and ability to pitch multiple innings earned him a spot on the Phillies' 25-man roster for the National League Division Series against the Brewers.

While the news is good for Happ, who will work in long relief, it may mean the exclusion of Rudy Seanez. The 40-year-old remained in limbo as of late Tuesday afternoon. The team has until 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday to submit its final NLDS roster.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said over the weekend he was leaning toward taking 11 pitchers. If that remains, Happ would earn the final spot.

The left-hander will serve multiple purposes, mainly as a key plug should a starter falter. Despite his 7.88 ERA as a reliever, Happ's value will come in the form of saving the bullpen if such a situation should arise.

Barring changes in the official announcement, here's how the roster shakes out: